Free electric blanket safety tests on offer

Published:13:16Monday 01 September 2014

As the nights draw in and the temperatures tumble, East Dunbartonshire Council is offering free electric blanket safety tests.

About 1000 house fires in the UK every year are caused by faulty electric blankets, resulting in 20 deaths and 250 injuries with older people being most at risk. Last year East Dunbartonshire saw a sharp increase in the number of blankets that failed the test.

The safety tests are being funded by the Community Safety Partnership.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “This is an annual initiative which always proves popular with local residents, particularly older people. Last year a significant proportion of the blankets failed the test. Worryingly a handful of these were serious failures resulting in the owners being advised to get rid of the blankets.

“We are delighted with this initiative , so that we can help keep older people safe in their own homes this winter.”

The Trading Standards team will be offering free electric blanket safety tests in September for people over 60 years of age as part of its commitment to consumer safety.

The council is also also working in partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, offering a FREE Home Fire Safety visit, where they discuss a fire escape plan, and fit free smoke alarms.

Trading Standards officers will collect blankets from residents’ homes between September 8 and 12. The electric blanket tests will then be carried out at an approved facility on 16 and 17 September, with blankets being returned early the following week. For those blankets that fail the testing, residents will be given an Argos voucher to help with a replacement. Call 03001234510 or email trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk